Highlands Theatre

Thespians Info

 

The International Thespian Society has been honoring excellence in the work of theatre students since 1929. Thespian troupes serve students in grades nine through twelve. There are at present active ITS troupes in more than 3,900 high schools and middle schools, mostly in the United States and Canada.  The Society recently inducted its two millionth Thespian.

 

Actors and actresses are called thespians in honor of Thespis, a Greek playwright and performer. Thespian with an uppercase “T” refers to a member of the International Thespian Society, the world’s largest honor society for theatre students. The designation “Thespian” includes student members who excel in technical and production fields as well as performance in their high school theatre. 

 

How do schools benefit from International Thespian Society affiliation?

An ITS troupe helps maximize the effectiveness of its school’s theatre program. It establishes a tiered recognition system that recognizes and motivates student achievement. These achievements and activities provide exceptional promotional and fundraising opportunities. In addition ITS affiliation provides educational programming and networking activities for students and their directors at the regional and national level.

 

How do students qualify for membership?

Students qualify by earning points for their work in the theatre arts. ITS provides a point system guide for your use. The points listed are the suggested maximum for excellent work.

 

Thespians (grades 9 through 12) follow induction criteria established in the Thespian Troupe Handbook and the HHS Thespians Point System.